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US completes Iraq withdrawal, ceding influence to Iran-aligned factions
South China Morning PostLO·US · IQ · IR·1 day ago
The deadline for US forces to leave Iraqi bases expires, ending a two-decade military presence. Iraqi security experts warn this could empower Iran and enable the resurgence of ISIS, though the actual security impact remains uncertain.
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The United States has formally completed its full military withdrawal from Iraq, ending a 23-year presence and concluding the US-led coalition's combat mission against ISIS. This transition shifts security responsibility entirely to Iraqi forces and moves US-Iraq defense cooperation to a bilateral advisory role. The withdrawal's completeness is confirmed, though the long-term security implications and regional power shifts remain uncertain.